We were headed down the road in the Family Truckster, when suddenly from the backseat Chandler is yelling, "Stop Daddy! There's a turtle in the road, stop, STOP!!!".
So I stopped the car, hopped out and saved the life of this poor creature. He was pulled tight inside his shell and didn't come out for a couple of hours. As you can see by the picture, he isn't very big.
Chandler named him Franklin, and I spent a few HOURS online trying to figure out what he is and how (and if) we should care for him. I think he is a box tortoise, very common in this area. So we've got a basic setup in the house for him, and if everything works out we'll probably make a place in the yard for him too. Chandler is very excited and said, "Don't worry Daddy, I will really take care of this little guy." It was very sweet how he wanted to save him and "make a home" for him.
One thing I told Chandler was that Franklin appears to be a girl, but he didn't want to hear any of that.
2 comments:
Awwww... how cute! I always wanted a turtle, but whenever I mention it, I'm not met with any sort of a positive response... Oh well. Have fun!
Hi Russ (and Chandler!)...
Yes, this is an ornate box turtle! I got one for my daughter Brynn when she turned 12 and had her for about 3-4 years then found a loving home with a guy about Chandler's age who just loves her! They had a difficult time finding meal worms for her at the pet store, so began growing their own! If my memory serves, the way you tell if you have a girl vs. boy box turtle is by the color of it's eyes. Girls have brown/yellow eyes and boys have red! Hope you are still enjoying your pet turtle...do you guys ever take in a turtle/tortoise show? San Luis Obispo has one every year at the Vet's Hall.
Well, glad I ran across your blog and this posting in particular. Have fun!
~Carol Ann 12-1-09
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